Four

Seretonin Dreams blinked her eyes open only to squeeze them shut again at the overly bright light that met her. There was a horrible pounding in her skull that made her feel like a little boy's drum set. She struggled to sit up, immediately regretting this as a wave of nausea crashed over her.

    “Hey, she’s awake.” Came the familiar low drone of Widows Whistler. Sere opened her eyes again, more slowly this time and looked around. She was rather confused, her head pounding, her mouth parched. Her whole body was sore, and there was a strange stinging pain radiating from the inside of her left thigh. Her gaze fell on Widows and Devils Cannon where they stood by the bed.
    “You feeling alright?” Devils asked while Widows helped her sit up.
    “No. I feel sick, and I’m thirsty, and I am really confused.” She replied in a scratchy voice.
    “I’ll go get some water.” Widows said and left while Devils gave her a brief rundown of the past week.
    “After that you passed out, and well, you’ve been out for a while.” He finished as Widows came back in with Falling Tears, Neon Zombie and Angels Fall behind him.
    “Glad to see you’re doing good, means we can move.” Neon said as if she hadn’t just been through a lot.
    “Move? Move where?” She asked after drinking the water.
    “A friend of mine, Warzone Wasp, called me up the other day, she needs us out there in Zone 2, Falling said that you all would accompany me.” He said, already packing. It wasn’t long before they were all piled into Neon’s van headed in the direction of Zone 2.
    “So what are we gonna do there?” Sere asked looking up from her book, Moby Dick.
    “Wasp wanted me to stop by, has some stuff to tell me, then we will be going back.”
    “Then why are we going?” Devils asked
    “Well, my son is a member of her family, and since Sere is basically my niece I wanted you to meet him. You two are cousins you know.” Neon replied as they continued to drive on.
    “You have a son? I thought you were gay?” Sere said as she put her book mark back in place.
    “Well, yeah, but he isn’t my blood son, just like you aren’t my blood niece. So we are gonna go for a short visit, then be on our way.” He said before they all lapsed into a silence, Sere reading, Falling napping in the front, Devils and Angels playing checkers, and Widows in the very back tinkering with a small box.
    It was maybe an hour before they turned onto the Dixie Death Highway. They drove for another half hour before they pulled into the parking lot. Seretonin gazed out her window, amazed at the amount of vehicles and killjoys that were bustling about.
    “Welcome to the Basket.” Neon said as he pulled the keys from the ignition. They all climbed out, Neon wasting no time in waltzing right in like he owned the place. Seretonin and Devils exchanged glances before following Falling in.
    Inside they area was like a dinner, there were even more people moving around, eating, napping, mingling. They ventured in slightly further, where Neon was exchanging words with short woman. Widows elbowed Sere and Devils out of his way and hugged the woman tightly.
    “Wasp! It’s been ages” He said as he let go of the woman known as Wasp. Wasp had a very country air to her that was foreign to Sere, aside from what she had learned from the books she read.
    “Widows, good to see you too.” She replied patting his arm before turning her gaze to Sere, Devils, Falling and Angels who were standing behind Widows and Neon with unsure looks and stances. “Introduce your friends here?” She said with a nod in the their direction.
    “Of course!” Widows said motioning them over closer. They each stepped forward as Widows motioned to each with their name. “Falling Tears, Devils Cannon, Seretonin Dreams, and her baby brother Angels Fall.” He told her with a grin.
    “I’m not a baby!” Angels protested angrily. Widows grinned and pulled him into a hug holding tightly while Angels squirmed and struggled to get away.
    “Nice to meet y’all.” Wasp said with a sweet southern smile. “I’m Warzone Wasp, and this here is my Killjoy outpost The Basket.” She told them and motioned with her hand for them to come further in. They followed them then Widows led them over to an empty booth where they sat while Neon and Wasp disappeared to talk. Sere was seated between Devils and Widows on the inside so she could sit with her legs parted slightly allowing her healing wound to breath a little. Since they had left and allowed her to walk around she had been wearing skirts since it was for more comfortable for her.
    “So, you’ve been here before?” Falling asked from one end of the table.
    “Oh yeah. Before I met up with Shanty, I was holed up here for almost a year, doing odd missions for the Big 4.” Widows said in an offhand tone.
    “The Big 4, as in the Fabulous Killjoys?” Sere asked looking at him closely.
    “Yeah, they are good friends of mine now.”
    “Then why don’t you run with them?” Angels asked.
    “Because your dad came along, and he needed me, plus Party never asked, so I never mentioned it.”
    “Oh.” Angels said then slumped as if that wasn’t that answer he was looking for.
    “Hey, it was before he convinced your mother to take you to and leave the clutches of the city. She was still pretty sure that those fucks from B.L.i were gonna do some good.” Widows told him before he grew silent. Sere looked up to see an unusually tall kid walking over to them. He was dressed in dark clothing, which seemed slightly unusual for a Killjoy. He took a chair from one of the other tables and sat it at the open end before taking a seat in it.
    “Hey,” He said in a kind of awkward way that showed he might not be there willingly.
    “‘Sup” Devils nodded.
    “I’m Adolescent Suicide,” He said, his eyes not meeting any one.
    “Nice to meet you. We are-” Widows started but was interrupted.
    “I know who you are, I saw the intros, and of course, I think everyone knows about the Dreaming Killers.” He said and smiled the tiniest of smiles.
    “You know us?” Falling asked confused.
    “Yes, not only do you have the famous hacker Widows Whistler with you,” He nodded towards Widows who was grinning. “But, you also recently pulled off one of the most daring rescues ever since the Big 4 had one years ago. You two had some serious guts just busting into Battery City like that.”
    “Wait, how do you know about that?” Sere asked staring at him now.
    “Well, one, Neon has a huge mouth and can’t keep a secret to save himself, and I heard Dr. D mention it a few days ago.” Adolescent said with a small shrug.
    “Oh, okay...” Sere replied, not really believing it. The kid Adolescent didn’t say anything else; instead he stood up and walked off, leaving them to stare after him.
    “The people are a little less friendly than I remember, but there are quite a few new faces here.” Widows said leaning back in his seat. They sat there mumbling among themselves before there was a clatter then silence in the area. They too grew quiet and looked up to see two people.
    The tall guy looked strong and had an air of pure silence to him; he wore a black jacket, a red shirt under it that read Anarchy, black pants and black boots, covering his eyes were a wicked set of goggles with spikes on them. The girl who was shorter was wearing a white husband beater and regular jeans, along with a pair of old combat boots on and a light, natural blonde hair that was long and pulled back into a low ponytail.

Near one table where a girl was sitting on a jerkish looking guy’s lap a bitchy blonde girl sneered. “Arizona and his little whore finally showed up.” She said quietly, but just loud enough to be heard.

“Oh, so I’m assuming you want a make-up job like Solar’s?” the blonde girl shot back threateningly. The girl rolled her eyes but said nothing more.

Neon walked by the girl and shoved her face to the table. “Now you be nice princess.” He said. He walked right up to them and winked at the guy. “So Ari, did you really make a baby with a baby around?” He asked, a large smile on his face. Amazingly, the kid’s face stayed completely impassive. Neon looked down at the girl then pulled her into a hug. “You aren’t as small as Solar, but you are a bit skinnier.” He said then got real close to her ear and whispered, then laughed and clapped Arizona on the shoulder. “If you get jiggy tonight, try to keep it down eh?” As he spoke many people made hooting noises and other side comments, but the guy known as Arizona stayed completely silent and impassive.

“Well then Solar and I can compare notes, ‘cuz there is plenty,” The girl, Alabama, paused and looked over to Arizona, openly checking him out, “to say on this subject, if you catch my drift.” Arizona’s jaw tightened as his cheeks flushed. “But seriously, we didn’t even sleep in the same bed. And who are you, exactly?”

“His name is Neon Zombie.” Arizona said through gritted teeth. Neon grinned more and grabbed Arizona around the neck and pulled him close into a head lock, giving him a noogie. “Neon! Quit!” He groaned though he was grinning and laughing himself.

“I’m Neon, Arizona’s dad.” He said without pause or even acknowledging they weren’t the same race.

“I, uh, see the resemblance.” Alabama said with a look between the two of them.

“Ehh, calm down chicky, I’m not his biological father, just the Killjoy one who gets his ass out of tight places.” He said with a wink.

“Who’s the bitch over there then? And the rest of y’all?”  Alabama said, sneering.

“Feisty little thing arent you?” Neon said then turned. “Well, you know most everyone in Bird’s group, the ‘bitch’ is Cyanide Queen. Over by the boarded-up window is Adolescent Suicide with his group.” Around Ado sat three more people, one being a girl. They were all white and pale with somber expressions. “Over in the corner is my group, recently attained; Seretonin Dreams, Devils Cannon, Sere’s brother; Angels Fall, Widows Whistler, and Falling Tears.” They each nodded in turn before turning back to talk more, they were done with all these people. “You know all your people, and Wasp. And then the last group which belongs to JarJar Binks.” The last group only had two other people aside from JarJar. “There are way more, so don’t think this is it. There must be another 40 people, but you know, business has them out and such, being busy ghosting Dracs and foiling plans.” He said with a shrug.

The three dispatched and the loud bustling in the area started up again with out fail. Widows looked over at Falling and leaned a little closer to him. “You don't really think Neon is one of the B.L guys do you?” He asked quietly, but Sere heard and perked up.

    “What?” She asked, shocked. Falling waved her off and she humphed then slumped back, starting to worry.
    “I do, you saw the papers, why would someone like Neon have things like that?” Falling said with a serious face. His eyes showed he wanted to trust Neon, but the evidence made it hard. Falling grew silent as the green haired kid, Arizona sat down.

    “Don’t mean to intrude, just wanted to meet the people who are gonna be with Neon for the time.” He said leaning his elbows on the table.  “I’m Toxic Arizona.” He told them.

“Pleasure.” Falling said “Names Falling Tears, that’s Seretonin Dreams.” Sere waved but didn’t smile. “And the brunette bloke is Widows Whistler.” Widows nodded but didn’t say anything either.

“I’m Devils Cannon.” Devils said with a nod then, stuck out his hand and Arizona took it, shaking it once before they let go.

“I’m Angels Fall.” Angels said excitedly.

“Nice to meet you all.” Arizona said with a small nod. Then Falling stood up.

“Mind if I speak to you alone Arizona?” He said with a somber look. Arizona nodded and followed him over to an empty pantry where they stood for a moment in silence. “I’m a little worried about Neon.”

Sere tried to hear more, but the conversation grew intensely quiet until the boy Arizona slammed his fist into the wall.

Widows laughed and elbowed her. “That’s your cousin, hon.” He said with a grin. Sere groaned and sank even lower, feeling tired and left out.

Sere was talking to her brother Angels when Widows walked up to the table. He had a few bowls of mush which he set on the table. "Eat up, we have a funeral to get to." Widows said as he sat down.
"Like the one we had for Shanty?" Angels ask digging his spoon into the mush. Widows nodded. 
"Kinda, only we will have paint cans and stuff, so it's gonna be a real traditional one."
"Paint? For what?" Angels asked through a mouthful of food. Sere glared at him and popped him upside the head.
"Finish eating before you speak." She scolded him, Widows grinned before answering.
"We bury him then paint the grave, like graffiti." He explained.
"Oh." Angels said then smiled before going back to his food. Sere to began eating but at a much slower pace.

Some time after Neon had taken the girl away they were all out in the middle of a desert. There was a funeral going on for the blonde girl’s old leader. It was a sad, mellow gathering, very subtle, but you could feel pain from every Killjoy, even from those who had never known the deceased. Sere and her clan all joined in the decoration, Sere having a can of strawberry red paint. She smiled and painted out a large strawberry, it was slightly crude, but you were able to tell what it was if you knew what a strawberry was. She smiled and stole a can of black and green to finish off the fruit before using a blue can to write the words, World Peace Please, under it in cursive. Falling smiled and hugged her close.

“I’m sure this man is grateful.” He said before they all headed back to the Basket. They stayed for another day helping out with cleaning and anything else that was needed, making friends. She had actually made friends with the boy Adolescent Suicide, and they were always talking about books. Something they both loved, the one thing that kept them both sane sometimes.

Having talked to Adolescent for some time that day she decided she wanted to read the book she had received for her birthday, they day her father bit the dust. She climbed into the back of the van rummaging through her bag. She found her black shawl and pulled it out, unwrapping the old book she sat back then sighed. She put her shawl on her head covering her hair the way she normally had it before climbing back out and slamming the door closed.

She looked up from the book and jumped a small squeak escaping her mouth. Adolescent was standing before her in that same way that made him seem so awkward. He shifted his feet then apologized.

“Don’t be sorry, just make noise or something.” Sere said with a smile. “I got my book.” She said holding out the book, The Scarlet Letter.

Ado took it and turned it over in his large hands. “It’s old,” He said then flipped open the cover. He read everything Sere had read the day she received the book then he started to flip through the pages trying to pick a good random page to read when a piece of paper flitted out. Moving swiftly he caught it and looked at it. His face looked quizzical as he handed it to Sere.

“I think that belongs to you.” He said. She looked at it, her mouth gaping slightly. It was a picture, a color picture. It looked to be kind of old, but still in good condition. There were three people, one she immediately recognized as Shanty, her father, next to him was a woman with blonde hair. She was nearly a foot shorter than Shanty, and much more round in the stomach, at first Sere thought the woman was just fat when she realized that this was her mother and that she was pregnant with her second child, Angels Fall. She looked at the little blonde girl on Shanty’s hip, she was smiling the largest smile she had ever seen. Unknowingly she touched her head where a set of brunette locks sat. So Neon was messing when he had said she had once been a blonde.

She felt a pressure on her shoulder and looked over to see a hand which was attached to Ado. She looked up to the worry on his face.

“Are you ok Sere?” He asked and that’s when she noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. She nodded weakly but he didn’t move instead he pulled her into his arms and rocked slightly. “Its alright to cry” He said. She shook her head again the tears falling faster now, it was the first time she had cried since her father had died. It had been months now, and Angels was done with it, had moved on, but Sere coudn’t do it. Hell she wouldn’t even let herself cry about his death because it meant she had to let him go.

She couldn’t stop which made her so angry that more tears flowed. At some point The warm arms of Ado were switched to the familiar encasing arms of Widows. There was a hole in her chest that seemed to continue to poor all the hate for her father and all the love out in those stupid salty tears that wouldn’t stop and after sometimes she fell asleep.

    It wasn’t long before Sere opened her eyes to find she was curled up next to her brother with Devils on her other side. She sat up and looked around. Widows was up and pulling his shirt on.

“Widows, when do you want us up?” She asked after a yawn.

“We aren’t leaving.” He said over his shoulder.

“What?” Sere stood and stepped over a sleeping Devils. She was waring a blue camisole and just a small pair of orange boxer shorts. Widows turned to her.

“Neon left already, said we should stay here, get to know people, Sere, you look like shit.” He said taking his face in his hands.

“Be nice.” She said.

“Go wash your face, it’s still red and puffy.” He told her before he let her go and walked out. Sere yawned again and looked around determining it was still early enough that most the killjoys were still sleeping. She stepped around lightly and headed for the bathroom.

She slipped into the bathroom and looked at her face in the mirror. The sun streamed through the windows that were stationed near the ceiling and allowed her to see just how puffy her eyes were. They were red and had bags underneath them. Sere sighed and turned the water on and let it sun for a moment before she grabbed a well worn and well used cloth and held it under the water. She pulled it out and held the cold soaked cloth to her face lightly rubbing her eyes through the cloth.

She pulled the cloth away from her face and looked in the mirror then shrieked jumping. She turned around to face Ado who was standing near one of the shower stalls in a pair of felt pajama pants, his hair soaked and clinging to his skull.

“What the hell are you doing in here, this is the girls’ room” Sere said angrily.

“Uhm, no, this is the guys’ room.” He said before grabbing a towel and throwing it over his head to dry it. “I think you’re still tired.” He said casually.

“I think you should learn to make noise when you walk.” She shot back.

“I also think you don’t wear enough to bed.” He said and though she couldn’t see his face she could hear the sneer in his voice.

Sere crossed her arms over her tiny chest in an effort to cover herself, her cheeks flaming. “I think you should shut up and leave me alone.” She snapped. Ado chuckled and pulled the towel down to let it sit around his shoulders.

“Pull that stick out of your ass, I was joking.” He said though he was still smiling.

“Excuse me?” She asked shocked her cheeks warming even more.

“I’m just saying, you should loosen up, yeah, I don’t know you to well, but I have learned from the past few days that you think to much and smile to little. You need to let yourself out or let someone in.” He said leaning against the shower stall.

“I let myself out-” She started but he cut her off.

“No you don’t, Both Widows and Falling are worried that you keeping all that emotion about loosing Shanty is going to tear you apart and scar you emotionally.” She stared at him a little shocked that Falling and Widows had talked to Adolescent about her. “I think they are right, you need to just let it out, its ok to mourn, and to cry, but you need to maybe loosen up, let other things take your interest.” He paused as if thinking about this, “The reading is good,” He stopped again and looked at Seretonin closely.

“What?” She asked her cheeks still flushed.

“You want to help me teach a little girl how to read?” He said suddenly.

“Wha-? Who?” She asked taken aback.

“Her name is Pink Venom, and she isn’t to fluent in English, I mean, she speaks it well, but reading it is a challenge, and you read really well, so I want to teach her.” He said with a shrug. She stared at him for a moment as if shocked that this is what was being said. “Well, I mean if you don’t want to then that’s-”

“No, I’d enjoy helping her learn.” She said with a smile. He grinned then walked out.

“Well, you better get out of here and put some clothes on, we can start her off with See Jane Run.” He told her before he left the bathroom altogether.

Three.

“You're here for the latest rebel I assume?” Said the plump brown haired woman behind the desk. Devils nodded.

“Yes ma'am, we were told to see him and to reintegrate him into the community, to fix.... his mental status if you will.” Devils said smoothly.

The woman rolled her eyes. “I know what you do, he is in the fourth room to the right in the left hallway.” She said and waved them off. Devils nodded and picked up his black bag again and turned to walk down the left hallway with Seretonin in tow. It was a very bright, stark white color that actually made Seretonin's eyes sore. Devils turned and pushed open the large wooden door then stepped in, Seretonin following close behind.

In side the room was an ugly yellow color with light blue sheets on the bed. Widows lay with his head turned to one side staring off into space. One of his eyes was patched up and that side of his face was black and blue from bruising. His right arm was casted in white casting and set at a bent angle. He ultimately looked like hell.

Seretonin's heals squeaked and Widows turned his head slightly to regard them and tensed immediately. His good eye widened in shock and fear. Devils walked beside him and placed a hand on his arm. “Cecilia, close, and lock the door, I don't want anyone disturbing us.” Devils said.

“Yes Dr. Roberts.” Seretonin replied with a slight bow before she turned and closed the door then locked it with a click. By now Widows look terrified as Devils began rummaging in his back for the needle and saline solution. Seretonin walked over to the end of the bed and smiled at Widows who gave a panicked look in return. Seretonin then picked up his medical chart and looked at it.

A few moments late a small giggling sound erupted in the silent room. Devils looked up and a confused look crossed over Widows face. Devils gave her a stern glare then she frowned.

“What.. they still have his real name on record and its kinda funny, cute almost.” She said then giggled again.

“Look, just kill me please. I really don't want to be a mindless citizen again.. you two have no idea what really goes on inside the B.L. Industries..” Widows said, his voice was crackly and dry sounding. Seretonin walked over to his side and leaned down next to him.

“Don't worry Phineas, everything is gonna be ok, we are gonna help you,” She said with a sweet smile, obviously enjoying the fear she was inducing in her friend. She stroked the good side of his face and winked before Devils pulled her away.

“Now Cecilia, be a good girl and hold his arm while I administer the narcotics.” Devils said as he stepped forward with the needle of the saline and Tetrodoxin mix. They had been instructed to not tell Widows who they wore, that way he would still have a slightly panicked look on his face when the neurotoxin set in. Widows began meekly attempting to flail and get away.

“Yes Dr. Roberts.” She said with a sly grin and held down his good arm but he flailed even more and Seretonin and to actually climb on him and sit on his chest with her back to his face while she held down his arm with more of her weight. Devils stuck the needle in where Neon had instructed and slowly administered half of the solution before pulling out. Immediately all the tension melted away from Widows' body as the toxin set in. Devils helped Seretonin off and they quickly set about as if they were about to start checking for vitals while Seretonin unlocked the door.

In a matter of seconds the heart monitor started to beep like crazy and set off an alarm. Devils stepped back and held up his arms while Seretonin put on a shocked face. The door flew open and two men rushed in and began buzzing around.

“I thought you people said he was not allergic to anything!” Devils accused angrily. One of the doctors turned back to him and shrugged.

“That is what we were told,” He said then stopped when the heart monitor flat-lined. Immediately they began CPR but it did nothing to help and after about a minute he was declared dead, all machines turned off. Seretonin had to keep reminding herself that he wasn't really dead, just slightly poisoned into paralysis.

“Johnston, call the men from the morgue, I don't want this rebel scum tainting this room anymore, tell them I want him cremated.” Said the man who had declared time of death. The other man, Johnston nodded and started for the door but Seretonin shouted and made them both start.

“No!” She shouted then blinked and looked as meek as she could. “I mean, I'm still, you know, learning, and we don't know much about the Rebels and how they survive... You know, with the kind of food they eat, and the Acid Rains...” She said her eyes glued to her feet as if she was ashamed to have spoken out.

“Yes, she still needs someone to autopsy on, plus we will take of the disposal of the body.” Devils said quickly.

After a moment the older doctor nodded. “Alright, take this Heathen away. Though our head doc. Is gonna want the reports, so make sure we get them.” He told them. Devils nodded and started to unhook everything from Widows. Then he and Seretonin began to wheel him out of the room and towards the elevator.

They reached the basement floor and wheeled Widows out with Seretonin at the front, her small hand on his chest while her other one helped guide the bed. Devils pushed from the back and pulled out a transmitter and pressed the button. In a matter of seconds the van rolled around the corner with Neon driving. He waited while they took the blanket off and picked up the limp body of Widows and struggled to get him into the back.

Then things went south. Someone left the hospital after them and caught them with a half loaded Widows. “Hey! What are you two doing? Don't you have a proper vehicle?” He asked eying them.

“Uh, Budget Cuts for our corporation.” Devils said then groaned, there were no more budget cuts thanks to B.L.Ind. The man looked at him then started yelling.

“Go! Get him in! Get him in!” Seretonin started yelling as she started to lift Widows legs while Devils pulled him in. They got him in just as the door busted open and a security man busted out, gun raised.

“Rebels” He growled and fired. Seretonin jumped in just as the shot hit her in between the legs searing a hole in the white fabric, luckily missing her legs. She landed on the ground and shrieked in fear as Devils closed the door and Neon raced off.

“It burns!” She hollered as she scooted up into a sitting position, tearing off her dress which had caught fire. Devils helped get it off and tossed it out the window. Seretonin had tears streaming down her face and kept sucking in air as if trying not to scream.

“You alright Sere?” Neon asked with a glance into the rear view mirror. Seretonin shook her head as she looked down at her legs. The nylon had been burned away on one of her thighs, the skin too had been melted and was oozing a gross half white half red substance.

“Make it stop.” She cried and held her hands around the oozing burn wound. She had never felt pain so intense before and was trying very hard to not scream. “Please!” She screamed at Devils who was looking around for a first aid kit.

“Give her some Tetrodoxin! Not as much as Widows got, but enough to make her go like him.” Neon shouted from where he swerved out of the City and began on the bumpy road. Seretonin let out another loud ear piercing scream and grabbed Devils hurt arm and dug her nails in. Devils inturn reacted by clenching his teeth and stuck the shot in her arm and gave her a tiny bit. A few seconds later her grip loosened as the toxin set in and her head lolled over to one side her eyes open and stairing off, pain still deep within them.

“Neon, hurry and get us back, Falling knows what to do.” He said as he pulled the limp half naked Seretonin into a seat and buckled her up then set to work dabbing at the liquid that oozed from her burn wound. Neon nodded and sped up the van before swerving and heading in a complete oposite direction to loose the truck that was following them.

Two.

Seretonin Dreams blinked against the bright sun then slipped her big bug-eye sunglasses on, effectively cutting the sun's glare down. Seretonin looked around and had an odd feeling of Deja Vu as she looked around. A normal scene of the group. She smiled feeling at home and leaned back against the tire of the beat up van and closed her eyes. The heat outside was scorching despite it being early in the morning and so she had taken off her jacket and sat in her green half cami shirt. She could hear the song Dashboard by Modest Mouse playing on the station that was broadcast by Dr. Death Defying and couldn't help but sing along.

“Sere, come over here.” She heard the familiar comforting voice of Shanty and she opened her eyes to see him standing some five feet away. She stood up and dusted off her butt as she walked over to where Shanty was. He was about 6'4” and obviously aged. He had brown hair that had flecks of grey along the sides and around the fronts of his ears. He had a kind face that was full of knowledge and love for the young girl that walked towards him. She stopped next to him and awaited his next command, but instead of talking he patted her on the shoulder and held out a book. It was brown with a deep purple binding.

Seretonin grinned and took the book, her eyes gleaming from behind her large glasses. She turned it to one side to view the title which was written in elegant golden writing. The title read; The Scarlet Letter. Seretonin blinked then opened the inside to read the published date.

“1944?” She asked looking up. “Its so old... how is it in sucj good condition?” She asked her voice holding much awe and excitement. She had yet another book to add to her collection. Shanty smiled down at her and hugged her.

“Happy Birthday Sere. You don't need to worry about where or how I got it. Just, read it, enjoy it, and keep it safe.” He told her and kissed the top of her head before he turned and walked away to where Devils Cannon was stuffing cans into a pack.

Things suddenly blurred and it seemed to be a new day, this was odd and confused Seretonin Dreams. She tossed her head to one side to see Devils on the ground screaming in agony and clutching his bleeding arm. She tried to rush to him, to help but suddenly she was lying on the ground, unable to breath, a sharp heavy force bearing down on her neck.

What's going on!? She thought as her eyes darted about. The sun was still shining just as bright, but there was a figure over her. A man with a mask, and a white jacket. B.L.Ind! She thought as she struggled to breath and flailed and thrashed under her assailant. She could hear shots being fired, people yelling her brother screaming. Then just as sudden as the forced had settled upon her it was gone. She gasp and touched her neck instinctively. As air filled her lungs she sat up to see the man lying slumped on the ground blood oozing from a deep would in his neck. She blinked away the tears of pain from her eyes and grabbed her gun and held it up. She looked around but all the could see now were 4 dead B.L.Ind men, Falling Tears running towards her brother who was hunched over someone. Devils Cannon was now groaning as he began to pass out from blood loss and Widows Whistler at the van yelling at the transmission radio port.

She didn't see Shanty. She looked around desperate to find him, to know he was ok, until she realized her brother, Angels Fall was hunched over Shanty. In an instant Seretonin was limping over to them as fast as she could. She fell to her knees next to Shanty across from where her brother was. She tore her glasses off and gasped for air as the tears filled her eyes.

Falling Tears closed his eyes and shook his head before rushing off to where Devils Cannon was passed out, still bleeding out. Angels Fall shook as he sobbed trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall from his hazel eyes. Seretonin looked down at Shanty and shook her head, tears streamed down her face and dripped off her chin onto her lap. She began to repeat the word no as she gazed down at the man who had been forever a constant in her life. She shook her head as she looked down at the almost peaceful look upon the old man's face. And after a while she let her eyes trail down to where his killing wound was. At the base of his neck, just in the center on the collar bone. Blood was still oozing out of the deep laser wound and stunk of burnt flesh.

She sobbed and cried more as she put a hand on his face. “Wake up.. please... wake up..” She sobbed as she put her hands behind his shoulders and lifted into a sitting position and hugged him close, his head lolled back. She ignored the stink as she buried her face in his shoulder and cried, whimpering as sobs rocked through her body.

“Don't leave us.. Please wake up Daddy..” she sobbed just as Widows placed a hand on her shoulder. As she looked up at him he offered a tiny smile then frowned, sadness deep in his blue eyed gaze. He took Shanty from Seretonin's grip and laid him back down then put a blanket over his body. Seretonin held her breath, her lip quivering before she began crying again. And as the sobs rocked her body once more Widows sat down Indian style and pulled her into his lap and hugged her as she cried into his neck.

******

Seretonin sat up with a jolt, her heart beating fast. She looked around to see Angels sleeping next to her and Devils driving while Falling rested in the passenger seat. She had been dreaming of the day Shanty had died, the day she got the book, the day she lost her closest friend, her father. Devils glanced back at her a worried look on his face.

“We are almost there...” He told her.

“Almost where?” She asked after a moment.

“Falling said he could help us, help us get Widows back... He said drive on until we see the Texico.” was his response before he stopped the van and swiveled to look at her more carefully. “Are you sure you're ok? You were starting to cry in your sleep.” He asked worry deep in his gaze and voice.

Color rose to Seretonin's cheeks at his concern and she nodded. “Im fine, just a nightmare. How is your arm? Do you want me to take over from here?” She asked then slumped back as Devils shook his head and restarted the van and drove on. The headlights cut through the darkening area to reveal a much better road and about 10 miles down a bright glowing rectangle.

“That must be the Texico.” He commented and sped up a little faster. After about 7 minutes of driving Devils finally killed the engine and tapped Falling who jolted then blinked and yawned before letting his brown eyes focus on the building before them.

“Wake Angels and Sere and lets go meet Neon..” He said as he climbed out of the van. Sere heard and tapped her brother waking him and telling him to keep quiet as they all climbed out of the van then walked towards where Falling waited by an odd looking machine.

Devils, Seretonin and Angles all stopped in front of the machine. It had a picture of a can that was read and white and read; Coca-Cola in white lettering. Seretonin made a face then exchanged glances with Devils before Falling started to open the front of the machine. And revealed the hallway into the building behind it.

He motioned for them to go first then entered behind them and shut the makeshift door behind them. They stepped on through the narrow corridor in silence as their eyes began to adjust to the light that sparkled from the end of it. Seretonin was the first to step into the glowing almost booming room. All around lights flashed and music boomed. It was almost like a club, or at least what they thought a club would have been like.

“Oh heavens child!” Came an oddly familiar voice. Seretonin looked to her left to see a large black man dressed in neon clothing and had a lot of make up and glitter all over. She frowned as she looked at him as he sauntered up to her. She looked up at him and opened her mouth to speak but he began first.

“Look at you! So big! What happened to that pretty blonde hair you had? Oh my...” He said as he grabbed her face then her arms. “You are very scrawny, you know it's ok to eat, no need to be anorexic or bulimic.” He told her still examining her closely.

“Excuse me!” She said and slapped his hands away and stepped behind Falling. “First off, we don't get much food, and I share what we do get with my brother so that way he grows more, I am not anorexic or bulimic! I never had blonde hair, and what the fuck are you wearing? Did a unicorn vomit on you or something?” She said making a face as she said her last comment. The man before her made a fake hurt face then smiled and grabbed her face with one hand squishing her cheeks up making her make a fishy face.

“Be nicer to your Godfather child and secondly, mind your elders.” He told her then shoved a finger in her mouth then let her go. A disgusted face came across her face and all color drained from her face before she doubled over and began heaving. The man held a large can under her face where she vomited into it.

Soon after she finished with her vomit fit Falling helped her sit down then began laughing and him and the other man hugged. Angels had already curled up and was once again asleep while Devils stood next to a very green looking Seretonin.

“You should have been nicer to her Neon.” Falling said the man who laughed and clapped Falling on the back.

“She needs to learn to think before she speaks.” He said then winked. “Now, explain to me a little better what you need.” He finished as he motioned for Falling to sit at a table chair. Falling obliged and sat across from Neon.

“Wait, who is he?” Devils asked looking weary.

“The name is Neon Zombie, I'm a costume and makeup artist, and before you ask, yes, I am gay.” He explained then turned to Falling again.

“Some B.L. Guys got Widows, and we need to get him back. You can get us in I presume?” Falling started then stopped when Neon lifted his hand.

“Sure can, I'm gonna need Seretonin and her lover there.” He said with a nod to Seretonin and Devils. Devils scowled at the comment but neither said anything. Falling nodded and motioned them over. Devils helped a shaky Seretonin up and they walked over then sat at the table too.

“You two will be posing as Doctor and Nurse.” Neon stated matter of factly then tossed a bottle of yellowish looking water to Seretonin who caught it then downed half of the bottle. Neon waited patiently as she finished the rest of the bottle. She cleared her throat and glared at Neon who simply grinned back.

“What do we need to do?” Devils asked after a moment.

“You are gonna go undercover. After Falling contacted me I went right into finding about what was going on, he fought and got a little hurt, so they have him set up in a public hospital on the edge of Battery City. So that's lucky. I was informed that they are trying to get him back into the mindset that all the other idiot followers are in, so we need to act fast. Tonight we are gonna go over the basics, what to say, how to act and such. Then you are gonna give him a saline solution that is mixed with some Tetrodoxin. A very small amount, it will slow down his nervous system long enough for him to be presumed dead, and you two.” He said with a small pause to let this sink in. “Will be the ones taking his body away. But instead of heading to your supposed lab, you will meet back here, and in a few hours Widows will be just fine. A little sick, but he will do OK.” He finished with a nod as he leaned back in his chair.

“Ok... so, that's it?” Asked Devils who to nodded as he let it all sink in.

“Yep, tomorrow a few hours before dawn I will get you guys looking legit and we will head out. Hard part for you Sere? You need to be submissive. You can't speak your mind, don't get cocky, ok?” He said a stern tone in his eyes and voice as he gazed at a green looking Seretonin. She nodded meekly then sighed.

“What was on your finger when you shoved it in my mouth?” She asked and made a disgusted face and ran her tongue on the roof of her mouth and stuck it out as if dispelling the taste.

“Ipecac syrup. It induces vomiting, I thought it was a proper way to teach you to watch your tongue.” Neon said as a smile crept onto his lips.

“Ewww..... My bad, but still, you are way to glittery.” She said then shied back as if expecting him to pull the same stunt.

“Get some rest, I will wake you in a few hours to get you ready.” Neon said as he stood to show them where to bunk.

*********

“I look ridiculous!” Seretonin complained as she looked at herself in the full body mirror. She wore an all white dress that ended at her knees, a pair of tan nylons and a pair of white slip on shoes. She wore a wig that was blonde and curled and had bangs that covered her brown eyebrows. Across her abdomen was a navy blue belt that was a little to loose but Neon was behind her tacking it to make it fit better. The dress buttoned up all the way and ended in a deep V neck but do to Seretonin's small chest showed off nothing. She thought she looked rather silly and immediately began to take off the wig but Neon smacked her hand.

“No, you need to wear it, they know what you look like, so the hair change is a good idea, look you only have to look like this for like 3 hours.” He explained while Seretonin made a horrified look. Devils laughed from where he sat in a chair already dressed in his white slacks and lab coat a stethoscope hanging around his neck. He too wore a wig to cover his strawberry red hair only his was black. Beside him was his doctor kit which held all the fake necessities and the special saline solution they would have to administer.

“Your father would find this amusing.” Neon said then frowned when Seretonin's face fell and tears began to well. “Oh no.. They got him?” He asked then saw Falling nod from in the mirror. Neon pursed his lips and patted Seretonin on the shoulder. “Good man he was, me and him were like blood brothers you know? I was there when you were born you know... Your father's proudest moment... when he held the tiny you, all smiles and giggles.” Neon said and hugged Seretonin. “I remember that day really well. I even remember the fight him and mother got into about what to name you.” He said and chuckled.

“They fuoght over my name?” She asked and looked up at him, curiosity in her green eyes. Neon looked over the small window in his makeup room and decided they had some time.

“You bet, they used to get into the most heated conversations, your mum was a big supporter of what Better Living was suggesting. But your father... He didn't so much agree with it, but they were doing really good until you came out.” He paused and chuckled to himself as he remembered. “Sasha, your mother wanted to name you Rosy, but your dad would have none of that. He wanted to name you after his great grandmother. Maude.” Devils snickered and Seretonin grimaced.

“Maude?” She asked and then laughed. “Shanty was odd...What did they decide on?” She asked considering she didn't remember her original name.

“Cecilia Maude Folton.” He said then patted her on the back as he set the white nurses' hat on her blonde wig and bobby pinned it down. “Alright, we need to get going, Falling you will stay here with Angels right?” Falling nodded while Seretonin smiled at her name. She finally knew what her birth name was. Devils stood and grabbed the doctor bag and followed Seretonin and Neon out. “Oh, and Falling, Bird Song will probably show up later with Solar Crash, don't be alarmed, I told them you were gonna be here.” He said and when Falling nodded again he led the two outside and loaded them into an old pink and orange metallic painted Mercedes.

They drove on for nearly and hour until the arrived just inside Battery City where Neon dropped them off at the back of the hospital. “Good luck, remember, be careful, and look alive Sere.” He said with a wink before he drove off leaving them standing looking slightly lost.

“Well, Cecilia, lets go.” He said, Seretonin had decided to use her birth name as her code name.

“Alright then Dr. Robert.” She replied with a small smile.

One.

"Wake up you pansies!" Seretonin Dreams yelled as she slapped her hand on the metal wall next to her. The loud metallic sound resonated around the whole empty warehouse building.

Many groans were heard as the rest of the group woke and shuffled around. Seretonin Dreams had been on early morning patrol and had seen a squad of suspicious people poking around in the hills. Dawn was just approaching and Seretonin Dreams, having a lot of say in the group's decisions decided they had best move on before that group showed up noses poking and sniffing around. She didn't want any more battles until the group got over the loss of Shanty. He had been a good man, a fine leader, a real moral booster, and to be frank, Seretonin Dreams was not sure she could make it without him.

"Get your butts moving; lets go!" She hollered as she strode into the near empty warehouse. Her boot clicks sounded hollow and echoed eerily. Her soft black leather jacket hung open to reveal her deep green camisole shirt that showed off the scar running across her upper chest, just below her prominent collar bone. Her tight black cotton pants were adorned with chains and knives and a many assortment of shiny metal objects. She also wore two laser gun holsters, one on each hip. Her bug eye sunglasses currently hung at her side allowing her bright brilliant, all seeing green eyes to be visible. She had short brown hair that covered her forehead in a sweep of side swept bangs, almost covering her eyes but only just below her eye brows.

Loud thuds sounded from her left and so Seretonin Dreams turned to face the boy running to her. He was her younger brother, Angels Fall. He was four years younger than Seretonin Dreams, who was currently 18 years old. She loved her brother but often found the little blonde haired hazel eyed prat to be annoying. Being 14 he was in an obvious awkward state and was constantly asking Seretonin Dreams awkward questions, ones she admittedly had no idea about, she often asked him to ask one of the guys, considering there were three more of them in the group.

Angels Fall reached his sister and immediately grabbed her arm, his pack thrown over his shoulder rather sloppily. He gazed up at her smiling and she in turn scowled down at him. "Angels, go off and help Devil pack his things. He is still having trouble with his arm." Angels' face fell slightly but he smiled again before nodding and running off again. He was still rather immature despite all he had been through, but since the death of Shanty, he had gotten worse.

Seretonin Dreams looked around to see the rest of the small group bustling, all but Widows Whistler. Her jaw clenched in a snapping manner as she strode over to the sleeping form. She stopped and looked down at him. Widows was only about 28 and had a temper about as bad as Seretonin did, so they didn't get along very well. She stopped next to his cot and stared down at him. He wasn't wearing a shirt so the large black widow tattoo he had covering his whole back was visible. She nudged his shoulder and when he groaned and swatted her hand away she reached back, fist formed and prepared to launch it until the large black hand enclosed around her wrist. She looked over her shoulder to see Falling Tears, the group medical man and teddy bear. She was about to complain until he held up a finger and she heard what he heard, and the sound sent chills down her spine and adrenaline through her veins.

“Alright Rebels! You have two minutes to exit the building arms above your heads before we bust in and kill you all.” A pause in the loud megaphone voice then it continued. “You are residing in private property as well as participating in illegal practices. Leave with us now and the consequences will be minimal. If you should choose to run, or fight us, the consequence will be death. You have two minutes starting now.” The voice cut off but by then Seretonin Dreams had the whole group making their way towards the back of the warehouse in the hopes that they were not totally surrounded. Widows Whistler had managed to get up, but was lagging bad. Seretonin glanced over her shoulder, her black shawl up and wrapped around her head and her glasses on over her eyes. She could see Widows lagging farther and farther behind, but she had to make sure her brother and Devils got out OK. Devils being wounded and her brother being young and easy to corrupt.

Falling Tears made it out the door first to find the back free of anyone aside from their van. He threw open the door and helped Angels Fall get everything loaded in as Devils Cannon climbed into the passenger seat. Shortly after that Seretonin exited the door and turned to see Widows get tackled. She winced and gasped then jumped into the cabin and leaned out the door gun at the ready as Falling started up the old deep green beat up van. It rumbled to life and pulled out as the first laser shot flew from the door and hit the door just inches from Seretonin's hand. She growled and spat before opening fire on the figures that streamed out. She hit one in the shin and scowled as he went down with a cry. Then ducked as a laser flew past her head. Her next few shots missed any marks but the last one before they were out of range hit one man in the forehead with elicited a triumphant cry from her and Devils who had been watching.

“They got Widows!” Were the next words to leave Seretonin's light pink rosy lips. “We need to go back! Turn around Falling!” She said as she held on with one hand and looked back at the forms massing around outside pointing at them and tending to the wounded man. They grew smaller and smaller as Falling drove on, not answering Seretonin. She turned and snapped at him, her face flushed.

“Turn back now! We can save him! We have to!” She shouted her tone so harsh that it shocked Angels Fall into sinking and slumping away from her. Falling Tears shook his slow and somber before stopping the van and turning to look at her.

“There are to many. Once we get far enough away we will all rest and then find out where they have taken him.” He said in the calm way that only he could produce. For a moment Seretonin stared at him, her eyes filled with and anger and hate, not directed at Falling but the men and herself as well as Widows. “Sere, you know I'm right, now sit down and get some sleep or eat something.” After a moment Seretonin nodded and sat back in the seat and leaned back closing her eyes not allowing herself to think of the mistakes that had been made as Devils changed the station to that of Dr. Death Defying.

“Patrols seem to have skyrocketed. So look alive and stay alive. I want all my Motorbabies and Rock'n'Rollers to get somewhere safe. Stay safe, and try nothing stupid for the time being, things are running low and the white suits are running high. So for now, keep running and keep our way of life alive. This is Dr. Death with the morning Traffic, tune back later for more White suit movements.” It was nice hearing the familiar drone of the doctor, though none of them had ever met him, they all felt as if he were a part of their group. A big help too. There was some silence before music from the days before the control of the white suits. It was from a punk/alternative band that they had come to know as My Chemical Romance. They played good music and Seretonin often preferred them to human contact, as well as the other bands the doctor would play.